Senate Joint Resolution 38 - Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

Whereas farmworkers make important contributions to this state in profound and unique ways; and

Whereas many farmworkers live in inadequate housing; and

Whereas agricultural growers recognize that the lack of housing for farmworkers is a serious problem, but face several disincentives to providing housing for those workers; and

Whereas the construction and maintenance of housing is expensive and is especially expensive if the housing is used only during a short harvest season; and

Whereas, although some grower-provided housing does exist, there is a trend toward agricultural growers discontinuing the provision of housing for farmworkers; and

Whereas as a result of diminished agricultural grower provision of housing, there is increased pressure on other housing resources; and

Whereas the private housing that is available to farmworkers may be substandard and in many cases expensive; and

Whereas, although some farmworkers live in well-kept housing, some live in deficient and crowded housing; and

Whereas the farmworker labor force is important to the agricultural sector, which is in turn an important part of the overall state economy; and

Whereas farmworker housing is not the responsibility of the agricultural growers, but instead requires a concerted effort by all segments of our society to improve farmworker living conditions; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon:

(1)(a) There exists a need to examine the housing availability and conditions for farmworkers in this state.

(b) Farmworker communities and agricultural growers in this state are in need of assistance in organizing a forum to address issues of common concern.

(2) There is created a Farmworker Housing Interim Task Force consisting of 11 members. The President of the Senate shall appoint two members from among members of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint three members from among the members of the House of Representatives. The President and Speaker shall jointly appoint six members. Members appointed jointly by the President and Speaker shall be persons who are experienced in farming, labor or housing issues and shall include:

(a) One individual representing religious organizations or benevolent or charitable groups who work with farmworkers and their families;

(b) One agricultural grower;

(d) One individual representing community housing development organizations or service providers;

(e) One farmworker; and

(f) One individual representing the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

(3) All appointments under paragraph (2) of this resolution shall be completed by the later of September 30, 1999, or 30 days after adjournment sine die of the regular session of the Seventieth Legislative Assembly. The task force shall have its first meeting on or before the later of November 30, 1999, or 45 days after adjournment sine die of the regular session of the Seventieth Legislative Assembly.

(4) The Farmworker Housing Interim Task Force shall:

(a) Evaluate the current housing situation for farmworkers in this state. In preparing its evaluation, the task force shall seek the widespread involvement of persons or organizations knowledgeable or experienced in farmworker issues.

(b) Develop a comprehensive approach to solving farmworker housing problems.

(c) Recommend actions that can be taken to address the issue of farmworker housing. The recommendations shall include an analysis of the financial impact of the actions. The task force shall indicate which recommendations had the unanimous agreement of the members.

(5) The Farmworker Housing Interim Task Force is subject to the provisions of ORS 171.605 to 171.635 and has the authority contained in ORS 171.505 and 171.510. The task force shall report to an appropriate interim committee of the Legislative Assembly and to the Governor not later than December 31, 2000.

(6) The Housing and Community Services Department shall provide staff necessary to the performance of the function of the Farmworker Housing Interim Task Force. The task force shall use the services of permanent legislative staff to the greatest extent practicable.

(7) Members of the Legislative Assembly shall be entitled to an allowance as authorized by ORS 171.072 from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. Other members of the Farmworker Housing Interim Task Force are entitled to compensation and expenses under ORS 292.495. Claims for expenses incurred in performing functions of the task force shall be paid out of funds available for that purpose.

(8) All agencies, departments and officers of this state are directed to assist the Farmworker Housing Interim Task Force in the performance of its functions, and to furnish such information and advice as the members of the task force consider necessary to perform their functions.

(9) The Farmworker Housing Interim Task Force may accept contributions of funds and assistance from the United States government, its agencies, or from any other source, public or private, and agree to conditions thereon not inconsistent with the purposes of the task force. All such funds are to aid in financing the functions of the task force and shall be deposited in the General Fund of the State Treasury to the credit of separate accounts for the task force and shall be disbursed for the purpose for which contributed in the same manner as funds appropriated for the task force.

(10) Official action by the Farmworker Housing Interim Task Force shall require the approval of a majority of the members of the task force. All legislation recommended by official action of the task force must indicate that it is introduced at the request of the task force. Such legislation shall be prepared in time for presentation to the regular session of the Seventy-first Legislative Assembly.

Filed in the office of Secretary of State August 24, 1999

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